POS0781-PARE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN RHEUMATOLOGIC PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN POLAND
Authors: B. Nieradko-Iwanicka
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Before the COVID-19 pandemic it was estimated that nearly 70% of the population is deficient in vitamin D - 25(OH)D &lt;20ng/ml in Poland [1]. The percentage was expected to increase due to indoor isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitamin D has a positive effect on the condition of the bones, affects the course of autoimmune diseases, the course of neurological diseases, in type 2 diabetes, vitamin D supplementation improves glucose tolerance and reduces insulin resistance [2,3,4]. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of the retrospective study was to determine what percentage of rheumatology clinic patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency and whether this condition is effectively treated. <h3>Methods</h3> In January 2023, a retrospective analysis of the documentation of 172 patients treated at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic in Bełżyce (Poland) in 2022 was conducted. <h3>Results</h3> Results: The mean age of the 172 patients whose documentation was analyzed was 60.43 years (min 19, max 88). There were 132 women (76.8%) and 40 men (23.2%) in this group. The mean concentration of vitamin D was 25.57ng/ml±SD11.9 (min 5.7, max 75, Me 22.8). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 44% (serum concentration &lt;20mg/ml), suboptimal concentration (20-30ng/ml) in 31%, optimal concentration (30-50ng/ml) in 21%, and high concentration (&gt;50ng/ml) ml) in 4%. All those with a deficit or deficiency (75 people) were prescribed cholecalciferol in a dose of 20,000 units orally, 1 capsule twice a week after breakfast for 2 months [5]. Patients with optimal vitamin D levels were advised to take a dose of 2,000 units per day. Among the patients with deficit or deficiency, 48 people came for a follow-up visit to check the level of vitamin D (64% of the group with too low vitamin D concentration; 28% of the entire group whose documentation was analyzed). In the follow-up examination, the mean concentration of vitamin D was 37.14±9.8ng/ml (min 28, max 84, Me 35.3). Therefore, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of vitamin D in the blood was noted (p&lt;0.05). In the group of people who came for the follow-up examination, there were 35 women, whose mean age was 60.7 years and 13 men (mean age 68.2 years). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> 1. During the COVID-19 pandemic in the group of outpatient rheumatology patients, 75% had a deficiency or suboptimal level of vitamin D. 2. Treatment with cholecalciferol in a dose of 20,000 IU twice a week orally for 2 months is effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency. 3. Too low percentage of patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency come for visits and check-ups. <h3>References</h3> [1]Hilger J., Friedel A., Herr R.. A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide. Br J Nutr. 2013;9: 1023. [2]Karczmarewicz E., Czekuć-Kryskiewicz E., Płudowski P. Effect of vitamin D status on pharmacological treatment efficiency-impact on cost- effective management in medicine. Dermatoendocrinology, 2013; 5: 299-304. [3]Zhu J., Bing C., Wilding J.P.H. Vitamin d receptor ligands attenuate the inflammatory profile of IL-1β-stimulated human white preadipocytes via modulating the NF-κB and unfolded protein response pathways Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 2-18, 503: 1049-1056. [4]Luan W., Hammond L.A. Vuillermot S. Maternal vitamin d prevents abnormal dopaminergic development and function in a mouse model of prenatal immune activation. Scientific Reports 2018; 8 (1) article numer 9741. [5]Płudowski P., Karczmarewicz E. i wsp. Witamina D: Rekomendacje dawkowania w populacji osób zdrowych oraz w grupach ryzyka deficytów.Wytyczne dla Europy Środkowej 2013 r. Standardy Medyczne/Pediatria 2013, 10, 573-578 (in Polish). <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.